I really enjoyed the group project we were assigned. It allowed all of the interns in the chemistry department to work together, while also allowing us to reach out to the department and other interns throughout the company. The project was a great way to push us outside of our comfort zone and network. I also enjoyed my regular day-day activities; I liked working on various tasks that would be beneficial for the department and the company. Gentex really allows their interns freedom and trusts them with projects that are actually still used even after we leave.
What I wish was different
I wish there was less downtime. Sometimes you'd have a long waiting period before you can do anything else and I wish we would have filled that time with some other tasks.
Advice
Do not be afraid to talk to people and ask questions. Everyone is super helpful and would gladly answer your questions. Also, make sure to take the opportunities available to explore Gentex as a company; it allows you to see what they do outside of your area/department.
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Electrical Assembler
May - August 2019 • Zeeland, MI
What I liked
They treated all employees fairly and with immense care.
What I wish was different
N/A
Advice
Gentex was definitely a fantastic first company in terms of engineering, but unless you love the company a lot, it would be a best to use your experience there as a springboard in your career than a final destination.
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Manual labor
June - August 2019 • Zeeland, MI
What I liked
The hours, if I needed a day off for anything, they were understanding.
What I wish was different
I wish the pay would have been higher. And with me being summer help, I did not get any bonuses.
Advice
It is a good place to get your foot in the door and get lots of hours if that is what you want.
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Software Engineering Intern
May - August 2019 • Holland, MI
What I liked
There were small-company aspects that made it nice while working at a large company like Gentex.
What I wish was different
I wish it was easier to get my feet under me at the start, but that's somewhat to be expected when starting a new job.
Advice
Don't be afraid to reach out to people and explore the company. Everyone I talked to was very helpful and glad to show me around if I asked.
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Chemistry Intern
May - August 2017 • East Lansing, MI
What I liked
I really enjoyed the ability to see various departments throughout their chemistry department. I was able to gain experience in analytical, research and development, and prototype testing.
What I wish was different
I wish I was able to get more of a direct project after the first month, but I was also very young for their program and appreciate the opportunity to gain experience from their departments.
Advice
This is a great company to get involved with; they treat their employees well and everyone is super nice. Do not be afraid to ask questions - everyone is there to help you succeed!
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Production Support Engineer Intern
May - August 2018 • Zeeland, MI
What I liked
Gentex stays true to their foundations of quality, innovation, ownership mentality, and unpretentious management. I felt valued by each person there, and I even had an opportunity to give the CEO a tour of a project that my department had worked on over the summer. The internship opened my eyes to the versatility of industry and the wisdom that comes from doing what you love.
What I wish was different
The internship was what each person made of it. You got out of it what you put into it. I wouldn't change anything except having to be pulled away to go back to school and finish my degree.
Advice
Go out and ask questions; explore your interests because there are so many different aspects to every company. No matter if the question or request is big or small. The worst anyone can do is say no.
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Machine operator
May - August 2019 • Zeeland, MI
What I liked
I loved the people and opportunity to continuously grow within my field along with the resources needed to become whatever I wanted to be within the company.
What I wish was different
I wish the pacing was different. They expect people to be able to work so fast so quickly into the job that it was be quite stressful your first couple of weeks.
Advice
Be ready to work hard every single day and make friends with the people around you. Everyone is always looking for good conversation, don't be afraid to start one while you work.
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Production Support engineer
May - August 2018 • Zeeland, MI
What I liked
The people at the company were very nice. They also had a huge pool of resources if I needed something to be done.
What I wish was different
I wish I was in a different role. I don't think I was a good fit for the position I was in.
Advice
If you don't like where you are at, speak up and try somewhere else. Also, learn as much as you can and interact with a ton of different people.
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Production Worker
May - August 2018 • Zeeland, MI
What I liked
The people I worked with were very cool and very accepting.
What I wish was different
Nothing. It's factory work so I knew what to expect going in.
Advice
Be willing to work hard because it will pay off in the long run.
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Engineering Intern
May - August 2018 • Zeeland, MI
What I liked
Welcoming atmosphere, Rewarding work.
What I wish was different
More feedback midterm
Advice
Dive in and get to know everyone, they are there to help
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Factory Line Worker
May - August 2019 • Zeeland, MI
What I liked
The relationships you can make with the people you work with is great. If you are willing to put yourself out there and try meet new people, you will have a great experience. There are many opportunities available for where you can work because Gentex has a range of products they produce.
What I wish was different
Nothing. It's a really good summer job for students who are trying to pay for college.
Advice
Go in with an open mind and don't be hard on yourself. It is very easy for people to feel stressed because they don't move as fast as they workers who have been there for a long time. Practice makes perfect. You will get faster, it will just take time.
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Mechanical Engineering Technician
May - August 2022 • Zeeland, MI
What I liked
Good company. Lots of work benefits, lunches, and downtimes. Also worked hard when the job required. We were mostly on call, so it was a balance between busy days and slow days.
What I wish was different
A little more structure would have been nice.
Advice
Do it.
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Intern
May - August 2022 • Zeeland, MI
What I liked
Friendly environment, great boss/mentor
What I wish was different
Nothing
Advice
Do it
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Research and Development Chemist
May 2022 • Zeeland, MI
What I liked
Gentex gave really good work experience by providing projects that were important to the entire company, and everyone was helpful and supportive of the projects given.
